Page 31 of Ex in the City
‘It’s all guns and dancers,’ Rebecca replies. ‘It’s not for kids.’
‘It has an all-child cast,’ Dylan reminds her with a laugh.
He’s so cool, calm and collected – which only seems to make Rebecca angrier.
‘I mean, the guns shoot cream,’ I point out. ‘I was in it when I was at school too, and we used shaving cream in our production. And, Rebecca, this might come as a huge shock to you, so thank goodness you’re sitting down, but pretty much all musicals have dancers in them.’
I fake a gasp for good measure, knowing it will provoke her further.
For a moment, Rebecca is left speechless, her face slowly turning redder by the second. If she doesn’t release the steam from her ears soon, she might spontaneously combust.
‘I thinkBugsy Maloneis a wonderful idea,’ Jo says, ignoring Rebecca’s objections. ‘But can it be done?’
‘I know it like the back of my hand,’ Dylan says simply. ‘I can help them.’
I smile to myself because, not only would Dylan be helping them, but they would be helping him too. This is exactly the sort of thing he needs to be doing, to show people that he’s changed. I was going to find something for him but the fact that he has put his own name down for this makes it mean all the more.
‘Oh, Dylan, yes, that would be wonderful,’ Jo tells him. ‘And yes to the celebrity-themed fundfair. Thank you – from me and the kids.’
‘I’m happy to organise the fundfair, if you like,’ I suggest.
‘No, that’s my job, I’ll do it,’ Rebecca snaps. ‘At least that way I can ensure it’s not totally classless and tacky.’
‘Nic can help me with the show,’ Dylan suggests. ‘We used to sing songs from musicals on the bus all the time.’
‘The bus?’ Jo enquires.
‘The school bus,’ I quickly insist.
Dylan looks at her and gives her an interesting smile.
‘Oh, I see, sorry, it makes sense now,’ Jo replies. ‘The two of you went to school together.’
‘Right,’ Dylan says, also learning this piece of ‘information’ for the first time.
‘It feels like a lifetime ago,’ I add, trying to style it out.
‘Yeah,’ Dylan agrees. ‘Like it happened in another life, even.’
‘Well, class dismissed,’ Jo says with a smile. ‘Dylan, we have your details, we’ll make the arrangements and be in touch about when we can get this show on the road. Rebecca, you’re in chargeof the party, so assign jobs as you see fit. And I’ll see you all later.’
As everyone filters out of the room, Dylan and I quickly head outside to the playground to escape the group.
‘I know that I used to drink a lot back in the day,’ Dylan starts. ‘But I do not remember the two of us going to school together.’
‘Sorry,’ I say with a laugh. ‘It’s just that this lot doesn’t know anything about the old me. And I want it to stay that way.’
‘Why?’ Dylan asks curiously.
‘I mean, to outsiders, looking in – looking back at the old days – I just sort of looked like a bit of a groupie,’ I say. ‘Like I partied too much, drank too much, had a crazy time. And, I know, we all did. I just think that, because we have such good memories from those times, it’s easy to forget that maybe not everything was that great – including us. I thought I was cool – we all did – but there’s a reason we only choose to remember the good bits, right?’
Dylan wraps an arm around me, offering a comforting squeeze.
‘Oh, Nic, I don’t remember any of it, good or bad,’ he jokes, making me laugh. ‘But, on a serious note, you should never feel ashamed of your past. People do stupid things, especially when they’re younger, when they’re under the influence of drink or fame or whatever. We had our crazy days, but if there’s one thing I do remember, it’s that you always were, and always will be, one of the kindest, most caring, loyal friends I’ve ever had. So you liked to get drunk, so you had a few shitty boyfriends – who cares? It doesn’t take away from who you are. The past has no bearing on who you are now. People grow and they change and if we judge people by their past mistakes and behaviours forever, well, I’m screwed, right?’
His words hit home, and I place a hand on my chest, taking a deep breath as a smile forms on my face. I’m a little taken aback by Dylan’s insight and how right he is. He’s absolutely spot on – people do grow and change, and there’s no need for me to be ashamed.
Nonetheless, everyone in this village is so judgemental, and if I can keep my wild-child days hidden from them, life will be much simpler. I’ll be out of here soon.
